Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment option for select pediatric patients with food allergies. It is designed to help reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions from accidental exposure by gradually introducing small, carefully controlled amounts of a food allergen.
OIT is offered under close medical supervision and begins with a comprehensive allergy evaluation. Not every child is a candidate, and treatment recommendations are individualized based on medical history, allergy testing and family readiness.
What Food Allergies Can OIT Treat?
OIT may be an option for children with allergies to foods such as:
- Peanut
- Tree nuts
- Egg
- Milk
- Others based on evaluation
How Oral Immunotherapy Works
Oral Immunotherapy follows a structured, medically supervised process:
1. Initial Evaluation
Your child is evaluated by one of our board-certified allergists, including a review of medical history, allergy testing and discussion of goals and risks.
2. Dose Escalation
Treatment begins with very small doses of the allergen, administered under medical supervision in our clinic.
3. Gradual Up-Dosing
Doses are slowly increased over time at scheduled visits, with daily dosing continued at home between visits.
4. Maintenance Phase
Once a target dose is reached, ongoing daily exposure helps maintain tolerance.
Goals of OIT
- Reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposure
- Increase confidence and quality of life for children and families
- Provide protection, not a cure, for food allergies
Children undergoing OIT must continue to avoid the allergen outside of prescribed dosing unless otherwise directed by their allergist.
Safety and Monitoring
OIT is a medical treatment that requires:
- Close supervision by experienced allergy specialists
- Strict adherence to dosing instructions
- Regular follow-up visits
Our team provides detailed education, emergency planning and ongoing support throughout the process.
Is OIT Right for My Child?
OIT may be appropriate for children who:
- Have a confirmed food allergy
- Can follow a structured treatment plan
- Have families committed to daily dosing and follow-up
Your allergist will help determine whether OIT is a good fit for your child.
Important To Know
- OIT is used for food allergies only, not environmental allergies
- Children must continue allergen avoidance outside of prescribed dosing
- Ongoing monitoring and adherence are essential for safety
Schedule an Evaluation
An allergy evaluation is the first step in determining whether oral immunotherapy is appropriate for your child. Our team is here to support your family throughout this process.
